Thinking Mathematics

Patterns. Ideas. Assumptions. Deductions. Abstract as these words may seem, they could indeed be used to illustrate important facets of human behavior and curiosity, existing since time immemorial. If curiosity could be credited to killing the proverbial cat, the experience of human beings with the exploration of the unknown and the ambiguous could rarely be declared as unrewarding. The ability to think and the ability to reason (logically and analytically) separate human beings from the other species on this wonderful planet. There is one branch of study, which came into being as a result of human inquisitiveness and thought, which was then modified as a tool and later, declared a branch of science. Now, many agree that this has been perfected into a form of art. Welcome to the world of Mathematics.

The origin of the word Mathematics is from Greek μαθηματικά or mathēmatiká, which has a root word in μάθημα or máthēma, which means learning (or study or science). Since its inception, Mathematics could be considered as the subject with the widest cross-disciplinary appeal. From astronomy to advanced molecular biology and genetics, it is hard to imagine a scientific discipline without the tools provided by this vast and enlightening subject. But this wide reach among various disciplines necessitated the vast generalization of the concepts and tools of Mathematics, with the result that applications pertaining to specific disciplines often did not find their way into a Math course curriculum. But then, this subject was never meant to be used just as a tool. This is a subject that was born out of the same necessity to answer questions that shaped the various other disciplines of today. This is a subject that confirms the vast potential of the analytical and logical human mind. This is a subject that encourages one to form new ideas and not just to accept the existing ones. This is a subject that encourages one to think. And thinking is always critical.

So folks, let us inspire our students to think. Use this forum to discuss your ideas and suggestions. Use this forum to show your passion for Mathematics.